200 Momentive Performance Materials employees temporarily laid off

WATERFORD -- Some 200 employees of Momentive Performance Materials will be temporarily laid off, according to the company, because of "continuing unfavorable global economic conditions."

"There will be a lack of work ranging from one day to a maximum of 14 days for those 200 impacted employees beginning November 19," according to a statement by company spokesman John Scharf. "Medical and dental benefits of impacted employees and their covered dependents will not be affected by this layoff. Affected employees who have available vacation time are eligible to use that vacation time and receive vacation pay during this lack of work period if they choose to do so."

The silicone company, which used to be owned by General Electric and employs some 1,000, temporarily laid off 325 hourly employees last year too.